Within two months of getting hired in 2004, Serey was assigned to meet with four Nigerian students who were failing a class, according to court documents. The students told Serey their instructor had told them they shouldn't be there and "should go back to Africa." Though Serey says he reported the incident, he contends that no investigation or disciplinary actions were brought against the professor.

Between 2004 and 2006, four women -- all African-American -- were fired from Grand Canyon, the suit says. One of them, Tracey Little, was dismissed after complaining of racial harassment, and two have filed discrimination claims with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the suit says.

Serey claims he was told to stop communicating with the women and with two other African-American employees. When he refused, he was abruptly fired without explanation, according to the suit.

About Serey's claims, Christel Mosby, spokeswoman for the college says, "Grand Canyon University does not engage in or justify discriminatory practices in the workplace." Mosby adds that she cannot comment further because of the pending litigation.